Adam Lipowski: Five years for truck driver who caused death by dangerous driving

Andrew Evans died after the car he was in was hit by a speeding refuse lorry driven by Adam Lipowski

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The widow of an ambulance worker has urged drivers to think before using their mobile phones while at the wheel.

Sally Evans' husband Andrew was killed by a speeding driver who was using his phone moments before the crash.

Adam Lipowski, 42, of Walmer Close in Tilehurst, was jailed for five years on Wednesday, May 6 for causing death by dangerous driving.

Speaking after the sentencing Mrs Evans warned: “Stop and think before using your mobile while driving, you could kill an innocent person.

"Someone who has done you no harm and leaves a family devastated.”

Lipowski was driving a 15-tonne Mercedes refuse truck down the notorious "13 bends of death" A4074 in Woodcote when he failed to see a black Subaru waiting to turn into The Oratory School.

Front seat passenger Mr Evans, 56, from Thatcham was killed when car was pushed into the path of a Ford Focus by the lorry.

Mrs Evans said: "Life is very empty for me without Andy. I no longer have a husband, no one to hold and love me, no one to smile at me and make me laugh, no one to support me.

"No one in the house that made it a home. Rachel has lost her dad, a dad who loved her unconditionally, even when she was naughty as a child. Our grandchildren have lost their Granddad Ambulance.

"A granddad who always played jokes on them, a granddad who played games and always insisted he won. A granddad who got them over-excited just before their bed time.

"We as a family will never forget the most loving, caring, reliable, honest man. Those who knew Andy would agree with us.

Andrew Evans died at the Royal Berkshire Hospital

"We would like to thank the police, in particular Sally Barden the liaison officer, she was always there for me.

"She always said it was fine to text any time. She supported me when I cried, shouted and laughed. She embraced the family with respect and always had time for them all. This also included a family friend.

"We would also like to thank Dick, Kevin and Dave for all the long hours they put into this case, also Mr Law, our barrister for helping in a personal problem and putting forward an honest case."

Lipowski was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court following a week-long trial in March.

Senior investigating officer Richard Thorpe, of the serious collision investigation unit, said: "A man lost his life due to the actions of Lipowski, who throughout the trial has refused to accept responsibility for causing Mr Evans’ death.

"Lipowski’s dangerous driving has had a devastating impact on a family and while there is nothing which will make up for their loss, I hope the conviction gives them some sense of justice.”